Batter up!

Updated 7:58 am, Thursday, April 5, 2012

TEMPE, AZ - FEBRUARY 29: Albert Pujols #5 of the Los Angeles Angels poses during spring training photo day on February 29, 2012 at Tempe Diablo Stadium in Tempe, Arizona.

TEMPE, AZ - FEBRUARY 29: Albert Pujols #5 of the Los Angeles Angels poses during spring training photo day on February 29, 2012 at Tempe Diablo Stadium in Tempe, Arizona.

Photo: Jamie Squire, Getty Images

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TAMPA, FL - FEBRUARY 23: Alex Rodriguez #13 of the New York Yankees poses for a portrait on Photo Day at George M. Steinbrenner Field on February 23, 2011 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Alex Rodriguez

TAMPA, FL - FEBRUARY 23: Alex Rodriguez #13 of the New York Yankees poses for a portrait on Photo Day at George M. Steinbrenner Field on February 23, 2011 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

Sports: 3. Dominican-born Roberto Clemente, a posthumous National Baseball Hall of Fame inductee in 1973, reached his 3,000 hit at his final time at bat on Sept. 30, 1972.

Sports: 3. Dominican-born Roberto Clemente, a posthumous National Baseball Hall of Fame inductee in 1973, reached his 3,000 hit at his final time at bat on Sept. 30, 1972.

Photo: E-N/File

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San Francisco Giants Manager Felipe Alou, left, and his brothers Jesus, center, and Matty, right, throw out the first pitch on opening day at Pac Bell park in San Francisco, Monday, April 7, 2003.

San Francisco Giants Manager Felipe Alou, left, and his brothers Jesus, center, and Matty, right, throw out the first pitch on opening day at Pac Bell park in San Francisco, Monday, April 7, 2003.

Photo: ERIC RISBERG, AP

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Fomer Los Angeles Dodgers' pitcher Fernando Valenzuela looks to the sky as he throws out the first pitch at the Dodgers' game against the Chicago White Sox, Friday night, June 6, 2003, in Los Angeles. Valenzuela will be doing the color commentary for the Spanish language radio station KWKW.

For baseball fans, April is a special time. It's the start of a new season, endless possibilities and the hope that perhaps this is the year to win it all. With its origins dating back to the 19th century, baseball is America's pastime. But in the past century, the Latino presence in Major League Baseball has consistently grown. Greats such as Roberto Clemente, Juan Marichal, Fernando Valenzuela and Albert Pujols will always have their place in baseball history. In honor of the start of MLB's 2012 season, we take a look at Latino players and their mark on what has seemingly become Latin America's pastime.

Factoids

We've heard the names, some know the stats, but there are most definitely some lesser-known facts about some of our favorite Latino baseball players. Here are some things you may not have known:

Some of Roberto Clemente's baseball cards early in his career say “Bob Clemente.”

Felipe Alou's family name is actually Rojas. Baseball officials misread his birth certificate and registered him under his mother's maiden name.

Héctor Espino, known as the “Mexican Babe Ruth,” is one 1960s player who could have made it big in the major leagues, but he refused to play in the United States after a stint with the St. Louis Cardinals' farm team in Jacksonville. Citing homesickness, culture shock and racism, Espino returned to his native Mexico, where he hit 763 home runs before he retired in 1984.

More Information

Catch it!

San Antonio Missions

What: The reigning Texas League champions begin their 2012 season against the Tulsa Drillers. Opening day is the first of many dollar nights, featuring $1 hot dogs and beer.

When: 7:05 p.m., Thursday, April 5

Where: Wolff Stadium, 5757 U.S. 90 West.

How much: Tickets start at $5.

For more: Single game tickets, group ticket sales and voucher books that include 20 undated tickets good for any 2012 season game are available for purchase online at the Missions website and at the ballpark.

Roberto Clemente was born in a barrio called San Anton in his hometown of Carolina, Puerto Rico.

Albert Pujols and Alex Rodriguez are the only Latinos whose jerseys are among MLB top 20 sellers. Pujols is sixth, and Rodriguez is ninth.

Even though San Antonio doesn't have a major league team, there are still plenty of opportunities to enjoy the game and see players who may one day be some of MLB's best.

Opening day for the San Antonio Missions — the farm team for the San Diego Padres — is Thursday, April 5. Here are some well-known Latino major leaguers who've played for San Antonio's minor league team: